Opinions - Looking to buy 2015-2017

[gmckenzie]

The max trailering package is available with the 5.3 or the 6.2. I have a 2015 with the 5.3. I tow a max of 8,200 (fully loaded) and have no trouble with all but the biggest hills. Not sure how much better a 6.2 would be. I just take it slow on them. But I would not tow much more than that as I'm close to my payload limit and truck weight. Payload is more important towing than the trailering ratings. You will exceed your payload before exceeding the tow rating.

 

From what I read, the 6.2 does not get much worse mileage (if at all) but does take premium fuel. I run mid-grade in the 5.3 so there would be a bit of a hit at the pump with the 6.2.

 

I thought the 2016 had the 8 speed with the 6.2 but not the 5.3. I could be wrong.

 

You can't get the Max Trailering and Z71. If you could, I would have it. I prefer the colour matched bumpers and grill as well, but towing was more important to me.

 

Good luck on your search.

[Krusty]

The 400+ miles to Laura GMC would be a good break-in drive if you buy new from them..........

 

http://www.laurabuickgmc.com/VehicleSearchResults?search=new&offset=0&bodyType=TRUCK&model=Sierra%201500&priceRange_min=0&priceRange_max=40000&sort=featuredPrice%7Cdesc

 

[Donstar]

Does your $34K budget include your current truck as a trade?

[KMK94]

Ok so it is possible to get max tow package with a 5.3... good to know. What is the capacity difference between one with and one without this package??

 

Krusty, thats definitely a good price in my opinion. Just not sure if I like the looks of the GMC's as much. The Chevy's look much more bold to me.

 

Another big thing that I'm concerned about is going from a regular 6.5' bed to a short box. I almost couldn't imagine having a short box (less than 6' long!!). How do you guys feel about it? It seems like a loss to me if I'm buying a truck and it's hard to find a regular size bed... but I've never had anything shorter, so maybe I'm just overreacting and I could make a short box work.

[aseibel]

I only have the 2015 book, but the difference between regular CCSB and Max Trailering is about 400 lbs payload and 1,700 lbs towing.

 

As for the short bed- I totally agree with you. I came from a 8' bed truck, was not excited about the 5'-8" bed. But it has been a minimal inconvenience so far. You just need to learn how to strap plywood and 2x4s in that you previously could just toss in and close the gate. On the plus side, I used it as an excuse to buy a nice aluminum utility trailer. I can haul way more with a 5.5' x 10' trailer than I could with my old 8' bed.

[truckguy82]

Wow guys thanks for all the quick replies, you guys rock!!! Definitely some good info.

 

Coming from a 2500, I'm sure I'll think that these ride like a dream. The only issue about not going the z71 route is that I love having the front bumper, grille, and rear bumper color matched to the truck. I know I could get that done later down the road on my own, but I'd like to just have it done and on my loan.... but I know z71's go for a higher dollar.

 

I was really leaning toward the 5.3 because of better gas mileage. I assume you can't get a max tow package with the 5.3.... only the 6.2, correct? I assume that's how it works. I hear both motors are great, I was just trying to keep mpg at its best when making my selection. But if the 6.2 will really help me out down the road, then maybe that's the way to go.

 

So seems like everyone likes both the 6 speed and the8 speed. That's good to hear. I don't know what year/package they started building them with the 8 speeds but from what I've learned, they didn't have them as an option in many 2016 models.

5.3 and 6.2 get the same gas mileage

The downside to the 6.2 is that you can't get it unless you step up to LTZ(chevy) or SLT(chevy) trim. Looking at a bare minimum of $40k for a truck with the 6.2.

 

You can indeed get max tow with the 5.3. If the concern is towing, both motors are strong enough to tow more than the chassis and suspension can handle.

 

6.2 has no practical purpose other than being fun, the hp ratings between the 6.2 and 5.3 does not tell the whole story, the 6.2 feels like a lot more motor from the seat of your pants. A new 6.2 truck has about the same measured acceleration times as the 500hp quad cab srt10 from a few years ago.

[KMK94]

Ok so that pretty much eliminates the possibility of getting a 6.2.... I don't need an LTZ. A loaded LT will have more than I need. Thanks @truckguy82!!

 

@aceibel, that's how I feel. I know I could "make it work", but it definitely irks me.

 

So I assume the difference between standard CCSB and max trailering package is just an added one or 2 leaf springs?

[aseibel]

So I assume the difference between standard CCSB and max trailering package is just an added one or 2 leaf springs?

 

stiffer springs, and a 3.73 rear end, instead of the 3.42 I have on my Z71.

[Mark Diedrich]

Mirrors, different rear end, bigger coolers, different shocks, trailer package with brake controller..... Can't remember if there's more than that...

[gmckenzie]

Ok so that pretty much eliminates the possibility of getting a 6.2.... I don't need an LTZ. A loaded LT will have more than I need. Thanks @truckguy82!!

 

@aceibel, that's how I feel. I know I could "make it work", but it definitely irks me.

 

So I assume the difference between standard CCSB and max trailering package is just an added one or 2 leaf springs?

I was the same with the 6.2. Yes it would be nice, but it would have cost a lot more (I have a GMC SLE) and more for the fuel. But it would be fun to drive.

 

I've got the really short box. I do wish I had the standard box but have not had a big issue with it. I can fit all my camping gear and a toolbox in what I have.

 

They put a different rear-end in the NHT. It's slightly bigger and a bit beefier. The springs "look" the same but might be a bit thicker. It does make the GVW from 7200 to 7600. My payload is 2015 per the yellow sticker. 400 lbs payload @ 12.5% tongue weight is a difference of 3200 pounds of trailer weight, so it makes a big difference.

[Krusty]

I like the short-short box for the 99% of the time it is an unloaded daily driver - makes for a sporty rig.......... Love the tow mirrors that also come with the Max tow package.........

 

 

Max Trailering Package: 9.76" rear axle, heavy-duty rear springs, increased

Rear Gross Axle Weight Rating (RGAWR), integrated trailer brake controller,

enhanced cooling radiator and revised shock tuning for increased control

(Crew Cab and 4-door Double Cab models)

 

[KMK94]

Does your $34K budget include your current truck as a trade?

 

I'm pretty sure I will sell my truck privately... I'm pretty sure I'll get my loan payoff amount plus an extra ~$2,500 back. I've been paying ahead on my payments.

[Krusty]

Pics of my Max tow............ Trailer for the nasty loads.........

 

 

 

 

 

[KMK94]

 

stiffer springs, and a 3.73 rear end, instead of the 3.42 I have on my Z71.

 

So... you may see a slight drop in gas mileage by adding the "max trailering package" or whatever its technically called. Not a huge deal to me, but just another thing to consider.

 

That all being said, I think it'll have to come down to what I can afford vs what I can find used at a dealer. I'm willing to travel for the right one, and also willing to wait a while until I find that right one. I've made mistakes in the past by being impulsive and buying the first thing that is reasonable (my ram is a good example).

[aseibel]

 

it'll have to come down to what I can afford vs what I can find used at a dealer.

 

Yeah, shop smart. You'll eventually find the one you are looking for.

 

Here's a tip: just because a specific vehicle is not on the lot, doesn't mean you can't get it. We bought my wife's 2015 GMC Terrain used. Went to my dealer where I bought my truck. We told him what we wanted. He found one in Michigan with low miles and in great shape. They shipped it to Green Bay for us and we got it for below Blue Book. I was pretty happy about the whole process.